IceHogs News

Rockford, Ill.-Chicago Blackhawks General Manager of Minor League Affiliations Mark Bernard announced on Friday that the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League have signed veteran NHL center Ryan Johnson to a PTO.

Johnson spent the past two seasons with the Vancouver Canucks. Last season in 58 games the veteran center amassed a goal and four assists. Johnson also appeared in four Stanley Cup Playoff games with the Canucks.

The Thunder Bay, Ontario native has played in 667 career NHL games with the Florida Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning, St. Louis Blues and Canucks. He has also skated in 23 career Stanley Cup Playoff games.

The 34-year-old center last played in the AHL during the 1998-99 season with the New Haven Beast. In 180 career AHL contests, Johnson has totaled 45g-91a-136 points. Johnson also played in 29 games with the Missouri River Otters (UHL) during the NHL lockout in 2004-05.

Next Game: Saturday, Dec. 11 vs. Oklahoma City Barons: Game time is slated for 7:05 p.m. The Oklahoma City Barons visit the MetroCentre for the first time in 2010-11. The first 2,500 fans into the building will get an IceHogs winter scarf compliments of Mega Truck Rental and 97-ZOK. It's also Teddy Bear Toss Night. Fans are encouraged to bring a new stuff animal to the game to throw onto the ice after the first IceHogs goal. The bears will be collected and donated to local children’s charities.